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Herb Brown, Interim Chair

Media, Technology, & Learning Design, MA
Digital Media Literacy Graduate Certificate
Instructional Technology Facilitation Graduate Certificate
Instructional Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate
Online Design, Communication and Engagement Graduate Certificate
Patrick O’Shea, Graduate Program Director
osheapm@appstate.edu

Library Science, MLS
mls.appstate.edu
Kim Becnel, Graduate Program Director
becnelke@appstate.edu

School Administration, MSA
School Leadership Graduate Certificate
Kimberly Money, Graduate Program Director
moneykd@appstate.edu

Educational Administration, EdS
International Leadership Graduate Certificate
Julie Hasson, Graduate Program Director
hassonjd@appstate.edu

Career and Technical Education Graduate Certificate
Jerianne Taylor, Graduate Program Director
taylorjs@appstate.edu

The Master of Arts in Media, Technology, & Learning Design provides an innovative blending of learning opportunities in the design, production, application, and evaluation of a broad range of media and technology. Students are encouraged to pursue work in both traditional and emerging technologies related to all aspects of educational media. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume leadership roles in various fields of media and technology. The range of possibilities for students in the four concentrations includes the study of digital technologies in education, multimedia systems and website production, as well as media literacy, instructional design, and telecommunications systems.

The Online Design, Communication and Engagement concentration and certificate offer students the opportunity to gain technical, aesthetic, and intellectual skills and perspectives to analyze and develop online learning and professional development pedagogies and environments. The program of study engages the learner in constructivist learning environments and local and global learning communities. Particular emphasis is placed on instructional design, technological tools for the creation, hosting, and delivery of online content, and the assessment of online learning and professional development solutions. The ethical and social issues involved in distance learning will also be examined. This concentration does not lead to North Carolina Licensure.

The Instructional Technology Specialist concentration leads to the Special Endorsement in Computer Education (18079) or 077 “M’ level licensure for Instructional Technology Specialists. The Endorsement is designed for school computer teachers or computer resource teachers for one or more schools, and is the recommended certification for the school level Technology Facilitator. 077 Licensure may be added for individuals who already hold a Master’s degree in an educational field. The certificate program promotes an in-depth understanding of the applications of and considerations for the integration of digital technologies in schools.

The Instructional Technology K-12 Facilitation concentration is designed for education professionals and others who wish to enhance their use of digital technologies for teaching and learning. This concentration is designed to prepare traditional and nontraditional students to assume educational leadership roles in the use of instructional technology in public schools, public libraries and related educational settings through active scholarship, reflection, professional discourse and interdisciplinary programs of study based on the integration of theory and practice. This concentration leads to 077 ‘M’ level licensure for Instructional Technology Specialists.

The Digital Media Literacy graduate certificate helps students develop the intellectual, technical, and aesthetic skills to successfully create, utilize and critique traditional, emerging, and converging new media, technologies, and literacies as they relate to individuals, societies, and cultures. Emphasis is placed on an investigation of the production, form, language, and dissemination of a variety of texts, including print, non-print, and evolving media forms (e.g., web-based media, augmented reality, etc.). This concentration does not lead to North Carolina Licensure.

The Instructional Technology Leadership certificate is a post-master’s program designed for students seeking advanced study in the realm of Instructional Technology/Educational Media, so that they might be more fully prepared for leadership roles in educational technology environments. Students who participate in this program will enter with a Master’s degree in Educational Media/Instructional Technology or a related field. Courses that are part of this certificate will serve as a concentration in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership for students who are admitted to that program. Up to 18 credits earned in this program may transfer into the doctoral program if a student is accepted into that program.

The Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Facilitation leads to the Special Endorsement in Computer Education (18079) or 077 “M’ level licensure for Instructional Technology Specialists. The Endorsement is designed for school computer teachers or computer resource teachers for one or more schools, and is the recommended certification for the school level Technology Facilitator. To be eligible for Computer Teacher (18079) Endorsement or Instructional Technology Facilitator (077) Licensure, applicants much have ‘A’ level licensure in North Carolina or the equivalent from another state. Only applicants with an existing Master’s degree in an educational field may be eligible to add 077 licensure.

The Master of Library Science (MLS) is nationally recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction. The program reflects Media Coordinator (School Librarian) competencies required by the state as well as Public Librarian Certification competencies of the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission. Completion of the program of study entitles the graduate to apply for licensure (076 Media Coordinator) from the State of North Carolina and to apply for Public Librarian Certification from the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission.

Using a combination of off-campus teaching methodologies, the Library Science program mission is to make a positive impact on K-12 students and public library patrons by providing the State of North Carolina with appropriately educated school and public librarians who take leadership roles in the state, nation, and world. High quality faculty, who create authentic learning experiences that blend theory with practice and consistently engage in relevant research, creative, and service activities, help to accomplish this mission. The Library Science program shares a commitment to social constructivism with the Reich College.

The Master of School Administration degree prepares candidates for the challenges and rigor of the principalship in pk-12 schools. It will result in a North Carolina Principal’s License, which is considered an entry-level administrative license. The focus of this program is the development of the skills and knowledge required by the North Carolina Standards for School Executives, revised and adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Education in 2011.

The Educational Administration (Ed.S.) degree provides advanced graduate work in school administration at the Central Office or Superintendent’s level. This degree leads to the sixth-year administrator license. The goal of this program is to prepare candidates for higher levels of educational administrative responsibility, typically in specialized positions in central office administration such as director, Associate/Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent. The focus of this program is the development of the knowledge and skills required by the North Carolina Standards for School Superintendents, adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Education (2007). Applicants must hold a valid North Carolina Principal’s license.

The Graduate Certificate in International Leadership offers virtual international experiences for students who wish to expand their leadership and cultural knowledge. Professors from Appalachian State partner with professors from Novgorod State University in Russia and professors from the University of Free State in South Africa to co-teach courses in communication, technology, leadership and sustainability. In each course, student teams include representatives from each country to work on projects and simulations based on relevant and current global issues. It is a multi-disciplinary program not restricted to any one field of study. Students may be enrolled in other graduate programs.

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